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Emergency care in the capital is 'worst in country'
Anna Davis14 Jan 2009
THE poor state of London's emergency care is revealed in a report published today.
Most of the capital's A&E departments were rated as the worst in the country by patients.
The survey also showed people think London's emergency departments are dirty and patients are treated without respect and dignity.
The Healthcare Commission asked patients across the country to rate the care they received from ambulance and hospital staff. More than half of the overall worst-rated hospitals were in the capital, while 13 London hospitals were at the bottom for cleanliness.
The health watchdog which carried out the research is investigating why London scored so poorly compared with the rest of the country.
A spokesman for NHS London said there were "issues with A&E that are particular to London".
"London has by far the highest number of people attending A&E and the diverse nature of those attending makes this more challenging for staff," added the spokesman.
"Programmes are in place to increase the choice for patients wishing to access urgent care, including greater access to GP services, through polyclinics and extended GP opening hours."
To deal with increased pressure, NHS London has published newspaper adverts urging patients only to go to hospital in an emergency.
The Evening Standard also revealed how hospitals had been forced to turn away ambulances and sick patients after running out of beds.
Health campaigners say the system is in "meltdown" and the NHS London spokesman added: "Improving patient experience is a priority for the NHS in London."
Today's report shows the best-rated overall hospital trusts in London were Moorfields Eye Hospital, Queen Mary's Sidcup, Epsom and St Helier, and Homerton.
Hillingdon, Queen Elizabeth and Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Trusts were among the worst.
Reader views (4)
Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup is one of the best rated overall hospital trusts in London, yet it's future is doomed with a Picture of Health. Where's the sense?
- Magaret, Kent, 14/01/2009 22:11
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We need London representation.
- Georgie, Islington, London, 14/01/2009 15:17
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..Since when did this government worry about BRITISH people?..
- Joannie, London, England, 14/01/2009 13:26
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This government has let down the British people, they just do not care if we suffer.
- Maggie, London, 14/01/2009 11:12
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